The first step in starting a plumbing career is to get an apprenticeship. But before that, you may have to take a plumbing aptitude test as a requirement for entrance. Although this test may seem relatively elementary to some, these skills may be a thing of the past for most. As a result, knowing what is going to be included on this test can dramatically improve your chances of passing and gaining employment.

In this article, let’s discuss what you should expect to see on a plumbing aptitude test, which subjects will be tested, and maybe even some generally plumbing test questions for you to brush up on.

What’s on the Plumbing Trade Aptitude Test?

If you are required to take this test for entrance into a plumbing apprenticeship, you will need to know what areas the exam will cover. The testing is only about 1 hour and 20 minutes in duration (on average) and covers both the English Language and Math.

Below we’ve broken down each section in to sub-sections that are more specific aspects that you’ll need to know.

English Reading and Writing Section

1. Spelling: The first thing you’ll need to review is your spelling skills. On the plumber’s apprentice exam, you’ll be given a paragraph to identify a specific number of misspelled words and write them correctly in given spaces below. You’ll have to do these in the order that they occur in the paragraph and there are roughly 10 of them.

Another exercise that’s a common spelling test is to give you a list of 10 words that are intentionally misspelled, that you’ll need to spell correctly.

2. Reading comprehension: Much like the ACT test you took back in high school, there will also be a section that covers your reading comprehension skills. You’ll be give one or two 250 word articles that you’ll be required to read and then answer related questions.

Math and Measurements Section

1. Units of Measurement: In any trade, you’ll be required to be proficient in using different units of measure and their correct application. On the Plumbing Aptitude test, you may be given a list of measurement types, and then you’ll have to match them up. Example: length, time, temp, weight, area, speed, volume, cost

2. Conversion: Another type of math that you’re required to know is conversion. As an example, you’ll have to know how to convert…

A dollar amount into cents

A certain number of seconds into hours

A specific number of days to a number of weeks

Kilometers to meters

Kilograms to grams

This may all seem relatively simple, but remember this is a timed test. If you are lacking in any areas that cause you to lag in time, you may struggle to get though everything.

3. Basic Arithmetic: You’ll also need to know your basic arithmetic which includes adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying. Plan on completing around 5 problems for each type ranging from 9th grade level through 12 grade.

Other aspects you’ll need to know are fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and degrees (angle). Again, this seems easy but make sure you are ready for the more complex problems like dividing and multiplying decimals and/or fractions!

4. Geometry: Geometry is probably one of the more widely used skills you’ll need to be proficient at as a certified master or journeyman plumber. So it makes sense that you’ll need to be proficient in this area to gain an apprenticeship position.

Basic shapes identification – Sounds pretty easy right? Well, when was the last time you drew an isosceles triangle, or a rhombus? Exactly!…get studying!

Free hand drawing - Here, you’ll be shown a picture of a 3d object and will be asked to draw a sketch of it from a certain position. The skill here is to be able to envision in your head the object from a specific perspective, then draw it on paper.

Perimeter distance calculation – In this test, you’ll need to accurately compute the total perimeter distance using a picture with on a couple distances filled in.

A couple other aspects that we’ve seen included on a plumbing aptitude test are safety regulations and equipment identification. Make sure you have some working knowledge of the equipment used in the plumbing trade, as well as some common sense for safety questions.

Knowing ahead of time what to expect on a plumbing apprenticeship exam can mean the difference between you getting the job, or looking for an apprenticeship somewhere else!